Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 5, 1 May 2016 — Senator calls for closer look at expanding marine nionument [ARTICLE]

Senator calls for closer look at expanding marine nionument

ByTreena Shapiro U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wants President Ohama to send representatives to Hawai'i to discuss expanding the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, whieh the president ean do using his authority under the Antiquities Act. Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, says key leaders and stakeholders in Hawai'i should have a say in the potential expansion. "After meeting with interested Hawai'i residents and leaders, my office has identified three important issues for our State in any proposal to expand the PMNM, the new PMNM boundaries; the role of Native Hawaiians in PMNM governance; and funding for the scientific study and research of the PMNM," he stated in a release. Those who have expressed concerns about the potential expansion include fishers on Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, who want to make sure they still have access to fishing grounds; the longline fleet that fishes in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and residents who use the oeean for subsistence and recreation. In response to the senator's statement, OHA Ka Pouhana (CEO) Kamana'opono Crabbe said, "The Office of Hawaiian Affairs thanks Sen. Schatz for advocating to elevate the role of Native Hawaiians in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. For a decade, OHA has been advocating for co-trustee status to ensure the preservation of Native Hawaiian cultural and historic sites in the monument. This advocacy would help OHA more effectively protect the traditional and customary rights and practices of Native Hawaiians and preserve the natural and cultural resources for future generations of Hawaiians and non-Hawai-ians alike." Crabbe continued, "We look forward to working with the Senator, Ohama Administration, the state and others as we continue to seek co-trusteeship for OHA." ■